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Continued From Page 30 of proposed use . For example , cultivation and processing require more industrial inputs than a standalone dispensary location does . It is also critical , however , to ensure that a municipality is receptive to the use . One of my first questions to clients or prospective clients is whether they have had discussions with any towns in terms of their proposed projects . With the adult-use law giving towns until August 12 , 2021 to prohibit the siting of cannabis facilities , those initial discussions with municipal officials are even more important . It is no secret that some towns are taking a “ wait-and-see ” approach by enacting ordinances banning cannabis facilities at the outset . An entity that has identified a particular location in one of those communities needs to have proactive dialogue , prior to the enactment of such an ordinance , or else it might find itself boxed out . Those entities weighing their location options will want to focus on more cannabis-friendly municipalities , so that their efforts can concentrate on development .
Hoban Law Group By Steve Schain , Esq ., Senior Attorney
Select a community that will support your cannabis business and 44 million New York , Pennsylvania , Delaware , Maryland and New Jersey customers that will be flocking to it . Optimally , select an “ impact zone ” negatively impacted by unemployment , poverty or
past cannabis enforcement activity ( Impact Zone ) and , with only 12 medical marijuana licenses ( and 17 locations ) currently serving New Jersey ’ s 8,882,190 population , chose a site lacking cannabis stores . Next , maximize points scored on the competitive application . Twenty-five percent of licenses will go to microbusinesses capped at 10 employees and 15 percent are reserved for minority-owned businesses and businesses owned by women or veterans , respectively . With the Eastern seaboard ’ s most ambitious Adult Use program ready to launch , any applicant not shattering diversity and social-justice parameters is not getting a license . Finally , “ Jersey , Jersey , Jersey .” License applicants must be residents of at least five years holding at least a 5 percent investment interest ; 25 percent of licenses wll be awarded to applicants employing 25 percent of individuals from Impact Zones and MicroBusiness licenses impose additional residence requirements .
Riker Danzig By Ryan M . Magee , Esq ., Cannabis Counsel
A successful team consists of many hands and one mind . An applicant seeking a medical cannabis license may have different municipal opportunities than one seeking an adult-use license , and an applicant seeking to cultivate or manufacture cannabis will have different parameters than one seeking to dispense . Thus , it is imperative for aspiring
licensees to ensure they are on the same page as the municipality where they wish to operate . The most impressive ownership team with the best business plan will fail without a commitment from the surrounding community . The key , therefore , is for the team to sort out these important issues early on , and to then pursue like-minded communities .
Sills Cummis & Gross P . C . By Robert E . Schiappacasse , Esq ., Co-Chair , Cannabis Industry Practice Group
We are advising clients to be patient and stay informed as municipal governments evaluate the future of the cannabis industry in their towns . Notwithstanding that the ballot question on legalization of recreational cannabis use passed overwhelmingly , municipal governments are not bound by the vote of their residents in terms of permitting the industry to operate in their town . Many municipal governments are drawing a distinction between their residents wanting the ability to use cannabis and their residents wanting such a business on the corner of Main Street in their town . Since municipalities only have until August 21 , 2021 to pass ordinances banning or limiting cannabis businesses within their borders , clients looking to get involved in the industry in New Jersey will not have long to wait for definitive direction as to whether cannabis businesses are banned or limited in a particular municipality .
Twenty-five percent of licenses will go to microbusinesses capped at 10 employees and 15 percent are reserved for minority-owned businesses and businesses owned by women or veterans .
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